Our MSc Cancer Research and Molecular Biomedicine course will give you thorough training in this area alongside lab-based research placements.
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Our MSc Cancer Research and Molecular Biomedicine course will give you thorough training in this area alongside lab-based research placements.

As this is a research-focused master's course, you will take an interactive approach to learning through seminars, workshops, small group tutorials and research placements rather than traditional lectures.

You will take three transferable skills units covering topics such as experimental design and statistics and science communication, as well as two research placements in the labs of leading researchers working on various processes relating to tumourigenesis. These include:

understanding cell cycle control mechanisms and how they are disrupted in the formation of a tumour;

investigating the cell fate choices of normal cells, and how these differ in cancer cells;

investigating how cell signals regulate gene expression in different types of cells, and how this flow of information is compromised in cancer cells.

If you want to broaden your expertise beyond molecular cancer research, you can undertake a research placement in another area of molecular biomedicine.

We investigate the mechanisms underlying a range of diseases including hypertension, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes, and we aim to develop ways of preventing and treating these. Ourresearch pages provide more information on our research interests.

Special features

Extensive research experience

Gain significant laboratory experience through two placements with leading cancer and molecular biomedicine researchers.

Teaching and learning

We use a range of teaching and learning methods, including tutorials, workshops, seminars and research placements.

Course unit details

The course starts in September and runs for 12 months. You require 180 credits to complete the course, of which:

135 credits are from research projects

45 credits are from transferable skills units.

Research projects

Your projects each run for 18 weeks starting in October and April.

Research Placement 1 (65 credits)

Research Placement 2 (70 credits)

Transferable skills

45 credits are achieved through completion of activities that develop your transferable skills in essential areas such as experimental design, statistics, bioethics (included in the tutorial and workshop unit) and science communication. Experimental Design and Statistics runs at the start of the year to prepare you for your research projects. Elements of the other units run throughout the year alongside your research projects.

Experimental Design and Statistics (15 credits)

Tutorial and Workshop (15 credits)

Science Communication (15 credits)

Disclaimer: Our units teach the current trends in life sciences. Consequently, details of our units may vary over time. The University therefore reserves the right to make such alterations to units as are found to be necessary. Before accepting your offer of a course, it is essential that you are aware of the current terms on which the offer is based. This includes the units available to you. If in doubt, please contact us.

What our students say

"Doing my master's at Manchester has given me the opportunity to acquire extensive laboratory experience and enriched my knowledge in the field of cancer. This is also combined with a great student life!"

Elli Marinopoulou

Facilities

You will be able to access a range of facilities throughout the University.

This programme is designed for professionals in health and related areas, such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, who wish to acquire knowledge and understanding of molecular biology and its impact on biomedicine and related disciplines.
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This programme is designed for professionals in health and related areas, such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, who wish to acquire knowledge and understanding of molecular biology and its impact on biomedicine and related disciplines. It introduces you to recent advances made in the study of disease, with the emphasis on how advanced molecular technologies inform and impact upon clinical practice.

The theory is delivered using the online Blackboard virtual learning environment that provides the flexibility of studying at your own pace and from any location in the world. You will interact with other students on the course through online discussion groups and receive excellent support from your tutors who are only an email or phone call away.

The full programme incorporates the PgC Molecular Basis of Disease and PgD Molecular Biology for Health Professionals as qualifications in their own right or as step-off points on the way to achieving the MSc. Undertaking the full-time distance learning route to the MSc should take around 18 months.

Course content

Each of these awards has been designed specifically to meet the needs of professionals in Biomedicine.

The Certificate will introduce you to recent advances made in the study of disease, with the emphasis on how advanced molecular technologies inform and impact on clinical practice.

The Diploma takes theory into practice, with hands-on practical skills developed during two one week residential short courses (in January and June). These workshops will enable you to meet with your cohort, attend seminars and undertake practical work in our excellent laboratory facilities under the guidance of practicing clinical scientists and academics.

The Masters in Molecular Biology incorporates all of the Certificate and Diploma studies and provides you with an opportunity to undertake a masters research project. Projects may be completed in your place of work or at the University.

Graduate destinations

The programme comprises postgraduate certificate, diploma and masters courses and is aimed at professionals in health and related areas such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, who wish to acquire knowledge and develop understanding of molecular biology and its impact on biomedicine. The programme explores current understanding of molecular biology and techniques within a clinical context.

We are the most research-intensive modern university in the UK (Research Excellence Framework 2014).

Roehampton is ranked best modern university in London (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2016).

Course summary

This innovative degree offers a fascinating opportunity to study modern and topical research areas in Cell Biomedicine. You will gain the essential skills required to prepare for your career in either biomedical research, a clinical setting or within the health industry.

This postgraduate degree will provide you with advanced research training in medical aspects of cell biology and pathology and you will conduct your own lab based research project. With a focus on research methods, you will take you research methods to the next level in producing your own research design, understanding ethics in research projects and best practice in handling statistical data-sets. The programme includes a variety of subject-specific lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical work that will give keep you up-to-date with the current advances in the field. You will learn the theoretical and technological aspects of cellular biomedicine and their practical applications within industry.

You will be taught by enthusiastic, research active experts in the field who conduct research in a diverse range of topics that you can choose to study such as cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer, microbial resistance to antibiotics, immune mechanisms of disease, stem cell research and molecular modelling in cell biology.

You will conduct your research project in our state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with microscopy analysers, autoradiography, flow cytometry, high sensitivity HPLC and LC-MS, and neural stem cell and tissue culture facilities.

You will automatically be a part of our Health Sciences Research Centre, a community of leading experts who are currently investigating a range of topical issues. You will participate in engaging discussions within research seminars on the latest developments within neuroscience and the health sciences.

Content

In this postgraduate programme, you will be trained in medical aspects of cell biology and pathology with a focus on the lab based research project. The programme has a strong focus on research methods and will provide you with necessary skills in research design, ethics and statistical methods.

You will learn the most recent advances in cellular biomedicine by being part of engaging subject-specific lectures, seminars, tutorials and conducting your own research. You will study the theoretical and technological and their practical applications in cellular biomedicine.

Modules:

Research Project

Research Methods

Cells, Disease and Therapy

Communication

Career options

This postgraduate programme provides both a solid academic basis and practical hands-on experience in the area of cellular biomedical sciences. It will prepare you for careers in academia, clinical research, the health industry or within government organisations.

This innovative master program enables you to meet the demands of employers in the scientific field worldwide. You will be trained in all aspects of cutting edge molecular stem cell biology including legal and ethical aspects, good medical practice and acquisition of third party funding.
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Overview

This innovative master program enables you to meet the demands of employers in the scientific field worldwide. You will be trained in all aspects of cutting edge molecular stem cell biology including legal and ethical aspects, good medical practice and acquisition of third party funding. The course combines cutting edge approaches such as iPSC and bioprinting with traditional basic disciplines such as histology to secure an in-depth understanding towards innovative translational approaches in medicine. The course is entirely taught in English.

Learning outcome

Holding our degree means you have acquired a robust expertise in theory and practice in one of the most scientifically and ethically demanding biomedical fields of today.

During the first year of the program, students achieve a fundamental understanding of developmental processes that are linked to the current progress of stem cell research. This theoretical knowledge is further deepened and expanded on by hands-on experience in the relevant laboratories.

The inclusion of local national and international guest lecturers gives students the opportunity to get an idea what is going on in the field of stem cell research and which labs can be chosen for specialized practicals.

During the second year, the curriculum emphasizes application-oriented courses suited to understand the cellular and molecular basis of human diseases and to familiarize with the complex demands of modern medicine. The 4th semester is reserved for the master thesis; multiple international collaborations and a mobility window offer the chance to perform practicals and master thesis abroad.

Possibility for International Double degree program `Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine´

In addition to the regular master program, we also offer a double degree master program in `Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine’ in collaboration with Jinan University in China. This program is supported by the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) with a stipend of 800, -- Euros/month plus travel expenses (flight) for every participating student. The selection for this program will be made from the regular master students. More information is available on our website.

Ruhr University Bochum (RUB)

Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) has a very international outlook and it is closely interconnected with the thriving research and business initiatives of the surrounding Ruhr region. Aside from the RUB, the surrounding Ruhr region offers a lot of opportunities to young researchers, such as 15 universities, 4 Fraunhofer institutes, 4 Leibnitz institutes and 3 Max-Planck institutes, which makes it easy for the students to interact with the experts and get hands-on experience in the state-of-the-art laboratories.

The MSc Biomedicine is a flexible programme that allows students to pursue diverse interests at the interface of biology and clinical sciences. .
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The MSc Biomedicine is a flexible programme that allows students to pursue diverse interests at the interface of biology and clinical sciences.

Based around a core structure of practical training in cutting-edge molecular biosciences –including CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technologies– the course provides an advanced training in the research and transferable skills that are valued by employers.

An impressive range of optional modules in diverse areas of biomedicine – infection, cancer, reproductive technology, neuroscience, ageing, bioinformatics, drug development and biotechnology – allow you to develop your own specific biomedical interests. An extended research project in the summer months allows advanced, independent investigation in an area that relates to your programme of study.

Biomedicine is a particular research strength at the University of Kent, and the curriculum has been designed by world-leading experts within their fields. Connections with the clinical community ensure that you have access to the interface between biological science and medicine, and a true insight into how biomedical research improves patient care and changes lives.

The programme offers a progression route to PhD level of study for those wishing to pursue a research career, while transferable skills development supports access to careers in clinical trials, public engagement, scientific writing, industrial research, and many other career structures within and outside the laboratory.

As a Biomedicine student you join a vibrant, ambitious and friendly academic community of around 150 postgraduate students, and a School ranked in the top 10 in the UK for research intensity by the Times Higher Education, based on data from the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Medical Life Sciences is an English-taught two-year Master’s programme in molecular disease research and bridges the gap between the sciences and medical studies.
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Medical Life Sciences is an English-taught two-year Master’s programme in molecular disease research and bridges the gap between the sciences and medical studies. You will get to know clinical research from scratch; you will learn how to investigate diseases/disease mechanisms both in ancient and contemporary populations, how to translate research results into prevention, diagnosis and therapies of diseases. From the basics of medical science to lab experiments for the Master’s thesis, individual scientific training takes first priority. Experimental work in state-of-the-art research labs is essential in Medical Life Sciences; clinical internships, data analysis, lectures, seminars and electives complement the Medical Life Sciences curriculum. Evolutionary biology will train you in thinking from cause to consequence. Molecular paleopathology and ancient DNA research tell you a lot about disease through human history. These insights help to fight disease today, which is why evolutionary medicine is becoming a cutting-edge research field. Whether you want to focus on ancient populations and paleopathology or on specific disease indications nowadays, here you get the tools and skills to do both. To lay the foundation for working in medical research, Medical Life Sciences includes courses on clinical manifestations of diseases, molecular pathology and immunology. Hands-on courses in molecular biology, bioinformatics, clinical cell biology, medical statistics, and human genetics broaden your knowledge and make the interfaces between medicine and the sciences visible. You will learn how to acquire knowledge, verify and use it.. That biomedicine has many facets to discover is the great thing that keeps students fascinated and well-equipped for finding a job in academia or the industry.

Focus Areas

From the second semester, you additionally specialise in one of the following focus areas:

INFLAMMATION takes you deep into the molecular mechanisms of chronic inflammatory diseases, the causal network between inflammatory processes and disease, genetics and environment. New research results for prevention, diagnosis and therapy will be presented and discussed. An internship in specialised clinics helps to see how “bed to bench side”, i.e. translational medicine, works.

EVOLUTIONARY MEDICINE looks at how interrelations between humans and their environment have led to current disease susceptibility. Why do we suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity? Is our lifestyle making us sick? Why are certain genetic variants maintained in populations despite their disease risk? Evolutionary medicine focuses on bridging the gap between evolutionary biology and medicine by considering the evolutionary origins of common diseases to help find new biomedical approaches for preventing and treating them.

ONCOLOGY delves deep into molecular research on malignant diseases, the interplay of genetics and environment, cell biology of tumours, and many other aspects. You will achieve a better understanding of unresolved problems and opportunities of current research approaches.

LONGEVITY focuses on molecular mechanisms that seem to counteract the detrimental effect of ageing. The disease resilience and metabolic stability of extraordinarily fit people well over 90 years of age are of special interest. This research is complemented by experiments on model organisms. You will also look at the molecular pathways of ageing, and which role genes and the environment play. How the intricate web of counteracting effects triggering ageing and/or longevity works stands as the central focus of this area.

Scientists and clinicians will make you familiar with these topics in lectures and seminars. You will discuss different research approaches, perspectives and the latest developments in medical research. Lab practicals in state-of-the-art research labs, a lab project, and the experimental Master's thesis will provide ample opportunity to be involved in real-time research projects.

Electives

To widen your perspective, you choose one of three electives designed to complement the focus areas. The schedules are designed so that you can take part in more than one elective if places are available. Tracing Disease through Time looks at disease etiology by analysing biomolecules, diets and pathogens in archaeological specimens. You may opt for Epidemiology to immerse yourself in epidemiological approaches with special emphasis on cardiovascular diseases, one of the greatest health threats in modern societies. Another option is Molecular Imaging, which gives you insight into the world of high-tech imaging in medical research.

Additional electives such as Neurology, Tissue Engineering or Epithelial Barrier Functions and Soft Skills courses such as Project Management, Career Orientation and English Scientific Writing are integrated into the curriculum.

Provides you with a broad overview of the molecular and cellular causes and treatments of human diseases. Develop a practical and theoretical understanding of the most important topics in molecular medicine.
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Provides you with a broad overview of the molecular and cellular causes and treatments of human diseases

Develop a practical and theoretical understanding of the most important topics in molecular medicine

Gain hands-on training in research techniques such as confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, cloning, in situ hybridisation and bioinformatics

Learn to apply your skills to industry-relevant challenges

What will you study?

Sample modules:

Research techniques and experimental design

Advanced topics in biomedicine

Biology of cancer

Synthetic biology

Regenerative medicine

Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.

What career can you have?

All our master’s programmes emphasise the practical skills that employers need, whether that is the ability to identify plants, carry out environmental assessments or use the latest cutting-edge molecular techniques. As a University of Reading MSc graduate, you will be well equipped to work in the field or the lab, and in the private or public sector. Many of our graduates go on to study for a PhD and pursue a career in research either in industry or in universities.

Typical roles of graduates from our ecology and wildlife-based MSc programmes include conservation officers, project managers, field ecologists and environmental consultants. Graduates from our biomedical MSc programme typically go on to pursue PhD studies or work in the pharmaceutical industry.

This Masters in Bioinformatics (formerly Bioinformatics, Polyomics and Systems Biology) is an exciting and innovative programme that has recently been revamped.
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This Masters in Bioinformatics (formerly Bioinformatics, Polyomics and Systems Biology) is an exciting and innovative programme that has recently been revamped. Bioinformatics is a discipline at the interface between biology, computing and statistics and is used in organismal biology, molecular biology and biomedicine. This programme focuses on using computers to glean new insights from DNA, RNA and protein sequence data and related data at the molecular level through data storage, mining, analysis and graphical presentation - all of which form a core part of modern biology.

Why this programme

Our programme emphasises understanding core principles in practical bioinformatics and functional genomics, and then implementing that understanding in a series of practical elective courses in semester 2 and in a summer research project.

You will benefit from being taught by scientists at the cutting edge of their field and you will get intensive, hands-on experience in an active research lab during the summer research project.

Bioinformatics and the 'omics' technologies have evolved to play a fundamental role in almost all areas of biology and biomedicine.

Advanced biocomputing skills are now deemed essential for many PhD studentships/projects in molecular bioscience and biomedicine, and are of increasing importance for many other such projects.

The semester 2 courses are built around real research scenarios, enabling you not only to gain practical experience of working with large molecular datasets, but also to see why each scenario uses the particular approaches it does and how to go about organising and implementing appropriate analysis pipelines.

You will be based in the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, an ideal environment in which to train in bioinformatics. Our College has carried out internationally-leading research in functional genomics and systems biology.

Some of the teaching and research scenarios you’ll be exposed to reflect the activities of 'Glasgow Polyomics', a world-class omics facility set up within the university in 2012 to provide research services using microarray, proteomics, metabolomics and next-generation DNA sequencing technologies. Its' scientists have pioneered the 'polyomics' approach, in which new insights come from the integration of data across different omics levels.

In addition, we have several world-renowned research centres at the University, such as the Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research and the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, whose scientists do ground-breaking research employing bioinformatic approaches in the study of disease.

You will learn computer programming in courses run by staff in the internationally reputed School of Computing Science, in conjunction with their MSc in Information Technology.

Programme structure

Bioinformatics helps biologists gain new insights about genomes (genomics) and genes, about RNA expression products of genes (transcriptomics) and about proteins (proteomics); rapid advances have also been made in the study of cellular metabolites (metabolomics) and in a newer area, systems biology.

‘Polyomics’ is an intrinsically systems-level approach involving the integration of data from these ‘functional genomics’ areas - genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics - to derive new insights about how biological systems function.

The programme structure is designed to equip students with understanding and hands-on experience of both computing and biological research practices relating to bioinformatics and functional genomics, to show students how the computing approaches and biological questions they are being used to answer are connected, and to give students an insight into new approaches for integration of data and analysis across the 'omics' domains.

On this programme, you will develop a range of computing and programming skills, as well as skills in data handling, analysis (including statistics) and interpretation, and you will be brought up to date with recent advances in biological science that have been informed by bioinformatics approaches.

The programme has the following overall structure

core material of 60 credits in semester 1, made up of 10, 15 and 20 credit courses.

Please note: students undertaking the three month PgCert will also be required to take two exams in March/April.

Career prospects

Most of our graduates embark on a University or Institute-based research career path, here in the UK or abroad, using the skills they've acquired on our programme. These skills are now of primary relevance in many areas of modern biology and biomedicine. Many are successful in getting a PhD studentship. Others are employed as a core bioinformatician (now a career path within academia in its own right) or as a research assistant in a research group in basic biological or medical science.

A postgraduate degree in bioinformatics is also valued by many employers in the life sciences sector - eg computing biology jobs in biotechnology, biosciences, neuroinformatics and the pharma industries.

Some of our graduates have entered science-related careers in scientific publishing or education. Others have gone into computing-related jobs in non-bioscience industry or the public sector.

Provides you with broad research training to prepare for PhD studies or a career in biomedical research. Gain hands-on training in advanced techniques such as confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, cloning, in situ hybridisation and bioinformatics.
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Provides you with broad research training to prepare for PhD studies or a career in biomedical research

Choose a research project from areas such as cancer biology, cardiovascular disease, stem cells and regenerative biology, microbiology and genetics

What will you study?

Sample modules:

Research techniques and experimental design

Research planning and project management

Advanced topics in biomedicine

Research project

Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.

What career can you have?

All our master’s programmes emphasise the practical skills that employers need, whether that is the ability to identify plants, carry out environmental assessments or use the latest cutting-edge molecular techniques. As a University of Reading MSc graduate, you will be well equipped to work in the field or the lab, and in the private or public sector. Many of our graduates go on to study for a PhD and pursue a career in research either in industry or in universities.

Typical roles of graduates from our ecology and wildlife-based MSc programmes include conservation officers, project managers, field ecologists and environmental consultants. Graduates from our biomedical MSc programme typically go on to pursue PhD studies or work in the pharmaceutical industry.

We invite postgraduate research proposals in a number of disease areas that impact significantly on patient care. We focus on exploring the mechanisms of disease, understanding the ways disease impacts patients’ lives, utilising new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and developing new treatments.
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We invite postgraduate research proposals in a number of disease areas that impact significantly on patient care. We focus on exploring the mechanisms of disease, understanding the ways disease impacts patients’ lives, utilising new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and developing new treatments.

As a student you will be registered with a University research institute, for many this is the Institute for Cellular Medicine (ICM). You will be supported in your studies through a structured programme of supervision and training via our Faculty of Medical Sciences Graduate School.

We undertake the following areas of research and offer MPhil, PhD and MD supervision in:

Newcastle hosts one of the most comprehensive organ transplant programmes in the world. This clinical expertise has developed in parallel with the applied immunobiology and transplantation research group. We are investigating aspects of the immunology of autoimmune diseases and cancer therapy, in addition to transplant rejection. We have themes to understand the interplay of the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses by a variety of pathways, and how these can be manipulated for therapeutic purposes. Further research theme focusses on primary immunodeficiency diseases.

Dermatology

There is strong emphasis on the integration of clinical investigation with basic science. Our research include:

cell signalling in normal and diseased skin including mechanotransduction and response to ultraviolet radiation

dermatopharmacology including mechanisms of psoriatic plaque resolution in response to therapy

stem cell biology and gene therapy

regulation of apoptosis/autophagy

non-melanoma skin cancer/melanoma biology and therapy.

We also research the effects of UVR on the skin including mitochondrial DNA damage as a UV biomarker.

Diabetes

This area emphasises on translational research, linking clinical- and laboratory-based science. Key research include:

mechanisms of insulin action and glucose homeostasis

insulin secretion and pancreatic beta-cell function

diabetic complications

stem cell therapies

genetics and epidemiology of diabetes.

Diagnostic and therapeutic technologies

Focus is on applied research and aims to underpin future clinical applications. Technology-oriented and demand-driven research is conducted which relates directly to health priority areas such as:

bacterial infection

chronic liver failure

cardiovascular and degenerative diseases.

This research is sustained through extensive internal and external collaborations with leading UK and European academic and industrial groups, and has the ultimate goal of deploying next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic systems in the hospital and health-care environment.

Kidney disease

There is a number of research programmes into the genetics, immunology and physiology of kidney disease and kidney transplantation. We maintain close links between basic scientists and clinicians with many translational programmes of work, from the laboratory to first-in-man and phase III clinical trials. Specific areas:

haemolytic uraemic syndrome

renal inflammation and fibrosis

the immunology of transplant rejection

tubular disease

cystic kidney disease.

The liver

We have particular interests in:

primary biliary cirrhosis (epidemiology, immunobiology and genetics)

alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

fibrosis

the genetics of other autoimmune and viral liver diseases

Magnetic Resonance (MR), spectroscopy and imaging in clinical research

Novel non-invasive methodologies using magnetic resonance are developed and applied to clinical research. Our research falls into two categories:

MR physics projects involve development and testing of new MR techniques that make quantitative measurements of physiological properties using a safe, repeatable MR scan.

Clinical research projects involve the application of these novel biomarkers to investigation of human health and disease.

Our studies cover a broad range of topics (including diabetes, dementia, neuroscience, hepatology, cardiovascular, neuromuscular disease, metabolism, and respiratory research projects), but have a common theme of MR technical development and its application to clinical research.

Musculoskeletal disease (including auto-immune arthritis)

We focus on connective tissue diseases in three, overlapping research programmes. These programmes aim to understand:

what causes the destruction of joints (cell signalling, injury and repair)

how cells in the joints respond when tissue is lost (cellular interactions)

whether we can alter the immune system and ‘switch off’ auto-immune disease (targeted therapies and diagnostics)

This research theme links with other local, national and international centres of excellence and has close integration of basic and clinical researchers and hosts the only immunotherapy centre in the UK.

Pharmacogenomics (including complex disease genetics)

Genetic approaches to the individualisation of drug therapy, including anticoagulants and anti-cancer drugs, and in the genetics of diverse non-Mendelian diseases, from diabetes to periodontal disease, are a focus. A wide range of knowledge and experience in both genetics and clinical sciences is utilised, with access to high-throughput genotyping platforms.

Reproductive and vascular biology

Our scientists and clinicians use in situ cellular technologies and large-scale gene expression profiling to study the normal and pathophysiological remodelling of vascular and uteroplacental tissues. Novel approaches to cellular interactions have been developed using a unique human tissue resource. Our research themes include:

the regulation of trophoblast and uNk cells

transcriptional and post-translational features of uterine function

cardiac and vascular remodelling in pregnancy

We also have preclinical molecular biology projects in breast cancer research.

Respiratory disease

We conduct a broad range of research activities into acute and chronic lung diseases. As well as scientific studies into disease mechanisms, there is particular interest in translational medicine approaches to lung disease, studying human lung tissue and cells to explore potential for new treatments. Our current areas of research include:

acute lung injury - lung infections

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

fibrotic disease of the lung, both before and after lung transplantation.

Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics

Our research projects are concerned with the harmful effects of chemicals, including prescribed drugs, and finding ways to prevent and minimise these effects. We are attempting to measure the effects of fairly small amounts of chemicals, to provide ways of giving early warning of the start of harmful effects. We also study the adverse side-effects of medicines, including how conditions such as liver disease and heart disease can develop in people taking medicines for completely different medical conditions. Our current interests include: environmental chemicals and organophosphate pesticides, warfarin, psychiatric drugs and anti-cancer drugs.

Pharmacy

Our new School of Pharmacy has scientists and clinicians working together on all aspects of pharmaceutical sciences and clinical pharmacy.

The Experimental and Medical Biosciences master’s programme prepares students for a scientific career within the broad field of the life sciences, with particular emphasis on understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms related to health and disease.
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The Experimental and Medical Biosciences master’s programme prepares students for a scientific career within the broad field of the life sciences, with particular emphasis on understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms related to health and disease.

The programme has been designed to provide students with frontline knowledge in biomedicine and related subjects. It unites theoretical knowledge with practical skills, as is most clearly seen in the individual experimental projects.

The master’s programme in Medical Biosciences at LiU received the highest rating in the Swedish Higher Education Authority’s assessment of Sweden’s biomedicine programmes, with five of the evaluated learning outcomes being appraised as Very High Quality and the sixth as High Quality - – the best result of all international biomedicine master’s programmes in Sweden.

Programme description

The Experimental and Medical Biosciences master’s programme prepares students for a scientific career within the broad field of the life sciences, with particular emphasis on understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms related to health and disease.

The programme has been designed to provide students with frontline knowledge in biomedicine and related subjects. It unites theoretical knowledge with practical skills, as is most clearly seen in the individual experimental projects.

Courses are taught using several formats, including regular lectures, tutorial groups that apply problem-based learning (PBL), laboratory work and seminar discussions. The laboratory classes use powerful model systems to illustrate modern concepts of medical biology, while PBL promotes lifelong learning. After two initial, mandatory courses, elective courses offer individual study plans and flexibility in creating a profile that increases the employability of all students within the life sciences. Different areas such as cardiovascular biology, stem cells and applied regenerative medicine, medical genetics and neurobiology are covered. Scientific reasoning, ethical attitudes and multidisciplinary collaboration are given particular emphasis, in order to prepare students for an independent and professional future in biomedicine.

Individual projects in which students apply their theoretical and methodological knowledge are key parts of the programme. During the first year, the project in Experimental and Medical Biosciences will allow students to work with on a specific assignment for ten or twenty weeks. During the second year, a one‑term degree project (master’s thesis) is carried out. Both projects are chosen in collaboration with a supervisor, and the student’s aim is to define a research goal, carry out the experimental work and produce a written report that places the work in the context of current knowledge in the field. The degree project is conducted in a research laboratory, either at Linköping University or at another Swedish or international university, in industry or in the public sector.

Double‑degree programme

An extra feature of the programme is the possibility for a limited number of students to study in Vienna, Austria, during the second year. Apart from the experience, an additional degree is earned - – Master of Science in Engineering. Studies at the University of Applied Sciences, Technikum Wien, within the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine programme have a strong link to industry.

Have you ever wondered where the word “gutfeeling” comes from, or understand why stress induces abdominal discomfort. If so, this Master programme may be of interest to you.
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Have you ever wondered where the word “gutfeeling” comes from, or understand why stress induces abdominal discomfort. If so, this Master programme may be of interest to you. The programme provides scientific knowledge and competences to understand the complex bidirectional signalling between the gut and the brain. It focuses on in-depth knowledge on how diet and nutrition, the intestinal microbes, the intestine and the brain interact. The program also provides transferable skills, including scientific methodology, experimental design, data management and analysis, as well as training in manuscript and research proposal writing. The programme is coordinated by and linked to the crossdisciplinary Nutrition Gut Brain Interactions Research Centre which provides access to internationally leading researchers and human in vivo and ex vivo research facilities, both at the University and at the University Hospital, and at the same time a strong link to selected industrial partners.

The programme focuses on biological and artificial interfaces that are of utmost importance and interest in the field of biomedical science. .
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The programme focuses on biological and artificial interfaces that are of utmost importance and interest in the field of biomedical science.

This is an excellent opportunity for you who has a bachelor’s degree in life sciences and would like to advance your skills in biomedical science. The programme offers theoretical as well as practical skills, beyond traditional teaching in biomedicine, biology and chemistry. The education combines cell and molecular biology with surface and colloid chemistry. It offers unique knowledge, useful in biotech applica­tions such as: drug delivery systems, implants, bio-assays, medical nano-technology and food technology. Arranged in close collaboration with regional industry, it provides an up to date overview of research and development in the field of biomedical surface science.

About

The program creates a platform for understanding the involvement of surface science in biomedicine and biotechnology. You will get theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the areas of biomedical activities which require expertise beyond traditional disciplines of biomedicine, chemistry or biology.

Active connections

The program is carried out in close collaboration with regional industry, and provides up to date overview on research and development work in the area of biomedical technology. Education is conducted by researchers and teachers who are participants of an industrially relevant research network called Profile “Biofilms – research center for biointerfaces”. Our experimental facilities combine chemistry, cell and molecular biology, and bioanalytical laboratories.

Forms of study

We use different pedagogical forms, with a strong focus on research questions in development of biomedical products. The collaboration with surrounding biomedical industry is conducted through CDIO, Conceive - Design - Implement - Operate projects.

What is Biomedical Surface Science?

Biomedical surface science refers to the knowledge and understanding of the theoretically and practically integration of surface chemistry in applied aspects of cell biology, immunology, molecular biology and nanotechnology.Biomedical surface science refers to specialised knowledge of surface chemistry in applied areas of cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, nano-biotechnology and colloid chemistry, as well as substantially knowledge on integration of these subject in biomedical surface science.

Major Biomedical industries

Drugs and biotechnology

small molecules - synthetic organic molecules

biologics - biological molecules made by living organisms (biotechnology)

Content

Degree

Master's Degree (120 credits).

After the education on the programme is accomplished the requirements for the master degree in Biomedical Surface Science are fulfilled.

The degree certificate states the Swedish title Masterexamen i biomedicinsk ytvetenskap (120 hp)and the English title Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Biomedical Surface Science.

Unique in Europe, this course combines biomedicine and pharmaceutical science to prepare you for a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical, bioscience or healthcare sectors.
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Unique in Europe, this course combines biomedicine and pharmaceutical science to prepare you for a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical, bioscience or healthcare sectors.

If you're interested in a career in the fascinating and challenging world of drug design, this is the course that will take you there.

Rather than presenting just one of the disciplines used in the field, this postgraduate degree, unique in Europe, blends the subjects you need - biomedicine and pharmaceutical science - into one comprehensive course that focuses on the integration of modern organomedicinal chemistry and molecular biology.

You’ll study various steps involved in developing and creating effective drugs, from concept to clinic, including the theories and practical applications of chemical drug design and immunology, pharmacology and molecular biology. Learning will be based on emergent technology from academic research and how it is applied to the drug development process, identification of drug targets, and development of effective drugs via reference to the relevant biological systems and pathways.

What you'll learn

This course provides the knowledge, understanding and practical experience you’ll need to forge a rewarding career in research and development in the pharmaceutical, bioscience or healthcare sectors. You’ll develop in-depth understanding of disease processes and molecular targets and an ability to apply this knowledge and theory to key aspects of drug design and biomedical science.

Equipped with the ability to follow developments in the field, you’ll learn to apply them to your work and make innovative contributions to the industry that will benefit others. Complex issues often arise in this field: you’ll acquire the skills necessary to make informed judgements and effectively communicate decisions.

There is an emphasis on developing your practical laboratory skills with various opportunities for hands-on experience in a range of current techniques and practices. In your final trimester you’ll undertake an independent project within a vibrant biomedical or drug design research team, allowing you to apply and further develop your technical, research and professional skills. There may be the opportunity to conduct your research project externally in a relevant organisation or industry in the UK or overseas.

You’ll also develop key skills including communication, problem solving, team work, project management, and leadership. You’ll learn through interactive lectures, workshops, tutorials, site visits and laboratory sessions, and by engaging with guided independent study. A variety of assessment tools are used to enhance and evaluate your learning.

Modules

• Current practice in drug development • Advanced immunology • Molecular pharmacology and toxicology • Research skills • Quality Control and Pharmaceutical Analysis or Biotechnology and Drug Discovery • Drug design and chemotherapy • Research project

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Careers

The rapidly developing pharmaceutical, bioscience and healthcare sectors all need qualified drug discovery or biomedical scientists. This course is your fastest and most effective route to a successful career in drug design.

You could establish a laboratory-based career with global pharmaceutical companies, developing biotechnology companies, contract drug testing, hospitals, NHS, local government or health and safety divisions.

Alternatively, further studies to PhD level are available at institutions all over the world leading to an academic career.

IN BRIEF. Research-led teaching that develops high-priority technical and employability skills through a series of lectures, tutorials and journal clubs.
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IN BRIEF:

Research-led teaching that develops high-priority technical and employability skills through a series of lectures, tutorials and journal clubs

Complete projects and dissertations within active research groups

Opportunities for development through a seminar series and guest lectures presented by clinicians and international speakers

Part-time study option

International students can apply

COURSE SUMMARY

This course aims to provide a balance between theoretical, practical and biomedical skills, and develop your levels of critical enquiry. You will be encouraged to pursue creative approaches to contemporary research in biomedical science and communication through creative thinking, research methods, computer systems, case studies and practicals. You will evaluate how these various approaches can assist you in formulating your own experiments and research project, increasing your skill set and future employability.

This course has both full-time and part-time routes, comprising of three, 14-week semesters or five 14-week semesters, which you can take within one or three years respectively.

TEACHING

Teaching sessions include lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, guest lectures and guided reading. Lectures provide a thorough theoretical basis for the course subjects and are delivered by internationally recognised, research active staff. A variety of other teaching approaches including tutorials, case studies, and workshops reinforce theoretical knowledge and facilitate the development of individual and group based research and transferable skills.

Practical sessions demonstrate techniques and methods used in biomedicine, and provide an opportunity for you to learn complex experimental approaches and operate laboratory equipment. Guided reading will recommend key articles and other materials to help you learn. Guest expert seminars from clinicians and academics will provide insight into modern biomedical research.

The research project will enable you to start your own research and be part of active, internationally recognised research teams, where you will practice the application of relevant biomedical techniques and skills valuable for your future employment in biomedical sector.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is by a combination of written examinations, oral presentations, coursework, laboratory reports and submission of the dissertation.

FACILITIES

We have newly refurbished and well-equipped teaching and research laboratories for practical work in molecular biology and biochemistry. State-of-the-art instrumentation includes cell culture facilities, FACS, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, FTIR and FTNMR spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

CAREER PROSPECTS

At the University of Salford we aim to produce graduates who meet the needs of their future employers: highly skilled practitioners and excellent communicators who are seeking to push the boundaries in the rapidly growing biomedicine sector.

Many of our biomedical science graduates are employed in roles such as research assistants and research laboratory technicians, across various sectors including clinical and research laboratories and pharmaceutical and biotechnology organisations. Some have gone on to pursue the field of education, working as lecturers and teachers in universities and schools.

A number of our graduates choose to continue their education by pursing PhD studies, with areas of research including microbiology, parasitology, medicinal chemistry, cancer and cell biology- to name a few! Furthermore, graduates of this course have been accepted into medical schools as students on completion of this degree.

LINKS WITH INDUSTRY

Guest speakers provide a valuable contribution to the course, and bring a real world perspective to the academic delivery of the modules. The School of Environment and Life Sciences has a regular Postgraduate Research Seminar Series in which experts from outside the University share their knowledge and latest research findings. This Series not only augments scientific knowledge and progresses students’ understanding of effective science communication, it also allows for networking and the formation of valuable academic and industrial contacts.

FURTHER STUDY

There are over 50 fully research-active academic staff and a number of early career researchers engaged in a range of innovative research fields and in advancing the boundaries of theoretical investigation. Research in the School focuses on understanding disease processes and applying this information to understand pathology and develop new diagnostics and treatments. Research areas include microbiology, parasitology, medicinal chemistry, rational drug design, cancer, molecular endocrinology, pharmacology, physiology, immunology, proteomics, molecular diagnostics and cell biology. The School offers several fully funded Graduate Teaching Studentships for studying in these areas.